Advanced Behavioural Statistics I

0.5 Credit

The general linear model is presented as a tool for the analysis of experimental and survey data. Topics include analysis of the general linear model (simple and multiple regression examples) by least squares, estimates of error, residual and regression sum of squares, analysis of variance for the general linear model, the concept of extra sum of squares, confidence intervals and tests of significance. An integral part of the course is the use of statistical computing packages (e.g., SPSS).

Advanced Behavioural Statistics II

0.5 Credit

The general linear model is used to analyze some common experimental designs used in psychological research. Results are presented using the Analysis of Variance technique developed in PS600. Topics include qualitative and quantitative variables, factorial designs, orthogonal contrasts, multiple comparisons, randomized block and Latin square designs, split plot designs and more general models and methods. An integral part of the course is the use of statistical computing packages (e.g., SPSS).

Research in Community Settings

0.5 Credit

An examination of the ways in which qualitative and quantitative research strategies can be used in the development and evaluation of community programs. A variety of methods, including observational strategies, interviews, questionnaires and standardized scales, will be reviewed.

Community Psychology and Social Intervention I

0.5 Credit

An examination of the broad domain of community psychology and social intervention, including core values and historical roots, systems analysis of social issues, research base and applications to various social settings. The general framework consists of posing community issues and problems from multiple levels of analysis (i.e., person, group, organization, community, society) and of identifying and critically reviewing related interventions, evaluations and research. Topics may include: second-order change; deinstitutionalization and normalization; primary prevention, health promotion and social support, gender issues, feminism and sexism; racism and multiculturalism; professional roles and community ethics.

Community Practicum I

0.5 Credit

Under faculty supervision, students become involved in a variety of community settings in roles such as small group leader, consultant, program planner and evaluator, community developer or social change agent. The practicum seminar provides opportunities for mutual support and critical reflection upon these experiences. Case studies and role-plays are also used to build skills in community consultation.

Community Psychology and Social Intervention II

0.5 Credit

Topics may include: rural life and resource development communities; environmental and media influences; global survival issues, social class, economic culture, the work environment, and community economic development; community-based development and co-operatives; and bureaucracies and human service programs.

0.5 Credit

Exclusions:

Research Seminar in Behavioural Neuroscience

0.5 Credit

All students in the behavioural neuroscience area are required to attend the research seminar. The seminar consists of research colloquia given by students, faculty or outside speakers. The seminar also has a component devoted to training in teaching.

Additional Course Information: Pending OCGS approval.

Exclusions

Research Seminar in Brain and Cognition

0.5 Credit

All students in the brain and cognition area are required to attend the research seminar. The seminar consists of research colloquia given by students, faculty or outside speakers. The seminar also has a component devoted to training in teaching.

Additional Course Information:

Exclusions:

Seminar in Social Psychology

0.5 Credit

A discussion of selected current substantive issues in social psychology, including both laboratory and field research and theoretical concerns. Topics such as attitudes, social cognition, the self, group dynamics, aggression, altruism, methodology in social psychology and socialization are included. Students are required to develop a research proposal as a major component of the course.

Additional Course Information:

Exclusions:

PS613

Seminar in Developmental Psychology

0.5 Credit

Contemporary research topics and theory in both cognitive and social development from a lifespan perspective. Topics such as memory development, conceptual development, moral development, attachment, language development, parenting style and the socialization of cognition are included. Students are required to develop a research proposal as a major component of the course.

Additional Course Information:

Exclusions:

PS623

Research Seminar in Social and Developmental Psychology

0.5 Credit

A group of faculty meet regularly with students to discuss specific topics in the research literature. Typically, presentations of ongoing research are arranged, involving both students and faculty (from WLU and elsewhere).

1.0 Credit

All students complete a thesis under the supervision of an advisor with the expected date of completion by August 31st of year 2. The thesis may be in the format of a journal article.

Advanced Multivariate Methods

0.5 Credit

The main topic for this course is structural equation modelling (SEM), an extremely flexible data analytic technique that incorporates most other multivariate models as special cases. The course will address the two main components of SEM: causal modeling (or path analysis), and measurement models. Cross listed with SK806, but taught by Psychology

Additional Course Information

Prerequisites

PS600 or equivalent graduate statistics course as determined by the instructor.

Program Evaluation

0.5 Credit

This course offers an advanced investigation of current methods for evaluating programs and services. Topics include measurement of processes and outcomes, needs assessment, impact analysis, the politics of evaluation, and relevant ethical issues.

0.5 Credit

An in-depth exploration of the application of qualitative methods to community research problems, including problem formulation, data collection options, and the analysis of qualitative data.

Research Seminar in Behavioural Neuroscience I

0.5 Credit

The seminar consists of research colloquia given by students, faculty and outside speakers. The seminar also has a component devoted to training in teaching. Students will normally take this course in the first full year of their PhD program. It is marked on a pass/fail basis.

Additional Course Information: Pending OCGS approval.

Exclusions

Research Seminar in Behavioural Neuroscience II

0.5 Credit

The seminar consits of research colloquia given by students, faculty and outside speakers. The seminar also has a component devoted to training in teaching. Students will normally take this course in the second full year of their PhD program. It is marked on a pass/fail basis.

Additional Course Information: Pending OCGS approval.

Exclusions

Research Seminar in Behavioural Neuroscience III

0.5 Credit

The seminar consits of research colloquia given by students, faculty and outside speakers. The seminar also has a component devoted to training in teaching. Students will normally take this course in the second full year of their PhD program. It is marked on a pass/fail basis.

An intensive examination of contemporary developments in the area of comparative cognition. Topics focus on perception, learning, memory, or any other cognitive or representational process in animals.

Seminar in Perception

0.5 Credit

An intensive examination of contemporary developments in the area of perception. Psychophysical, physiological and behavioural techniques and research findings concerning the visual, auditory, chemical and mechanical processing systems are discussed.

0.5 Credit

An intensive examination of contemporary developments in the area of cognitive neuroscience focusing on the relationships between neurobiology and cognition, perception and motor control.

Research Seminar in Brain and Cognition I

0.5 Credit

The seminar consists of research colloquia given by students, faculty and outside speakers. The seminar also has a component devoted to training in teaching. Students will normally take this course in the first full year of their PhD program. It is marked on a pass/fail basis.

Research Seminar in Brain and Cognition II

0.5 Credit

The seminar consists of research colloquia given by students, faculty and outside speakers. The seminar also has a component devoted to training in teaching. Students will normally take this course in the second full year of their PhD program. It is marked on a pass/fail basis.

Additional Course Information:

Exclusions

Research Seminar in Brain and Cognition III

0.5 Credit

The seminar consists of research colloquia given by students, faculty and outside speakers. The seminar also has a component devoted to training in teaching. Students will normally take this course in the third full year of their PhD program. It is marked on a pass/fail basis.

An advanced course in social psychology research areas (offered every other year).

Specialized Research and Methods in Developmental Psychology

0.5 Credit

An advanced course in developmental psychology research areas (offered every other year).

Research Seminar in Social and Developmental Psychology I

0.5 Credit

The seminar consists of research colloquia given by students, faculty and outside speakers. The seminar also has a component devoted to training in teaching. Students will normally take this course in the first full year of their PhD program. It is marked on a pass/fail basis.

Additional Course Information:

Exclusions

Research Seminar in Social and Developmental Psychology II

0.5 Credit

The seminar consists of research colloquia given by students, faculty and outside speakers. The seminar also has a component devoted to training in teaching. Students will normally take this course in the second full year of their PhD program. It is marked on a pass/fail basis.

Additional Course Information:

Exclusions

Research Seminar in Social and Developmental Psychology III

0.5 Credit

The seminar consists of research colloquia given by students, faculty and outside speakers. The seminar also has a component devoted to training in teaching. Students will normally take this course in the third full year of their PhD program. It is marked on a pass/fail basis.

Additional Course Information:

Exclusions

Theories and Ethics of Social Analysis and Intervention

0.5 Credit

In a social historical context, students comparatively and critically assess the epistemological roots, values and ethical bases of community intervention, theory, research, evaluation and practice. Areas of focus include social policy, community organization, adult education, and program planning, with an emphasis on citizen participation in these interventions.

Community Research and Action Seminar I

0.5 Credit

A forum for faculty, graduate students and community members to share projects covering diverse areas of community research and action. Presentations, discussions and other formats are used to critically examine and reflect on important social issues, research and action strategies. The seminar will also have a training component in teaching and community education. Students will normally take this course in the first full year of their PhD program. It is marked on a pass/fail basis.

Additional Course Information:

Exclusions:

PS889

Community Research and Action Seminar II

0.5 Credit

A forum for faculty, graduate students and community members to share projects covering diverse areas of community research and action. Presentations, discussions and other formats are used to critically examine and reflect on important social issues, research and action strategies. The seminar will also have a training component in teaching and community education. Students will normally take this course in the second full year of their PhD program. It is marked on a pass/fail basis.

Community Research and Action Seminar III

0.5 Credit

A forum for faculty, graduate students and community members to share projects covering diverse areas of community research and action. Presentations, discussions and other formats are used to critically examine and reflect on important social issues, research and action strategies. The seminar will also have a training component in teaching and community education. Students will normally take this course in the third full year of their PhD program. It is marked on a pass/fail basis.

Comprehensive Research Experience I

1.0 Credit

The comprehensive research experience is intended to provide students with familiarity and knowledge in some of the different areas that make up the specific field of psychology. The research experience is carried out under the supervision of a faculty member and second reader who are not the students' dissertation advisor. Students normally register for the first research experience in the second term of their PhD program.

Comprehensive Research Experience II

1.0 Credit

The comprehensive research experience is intended to provide students with familiarity and knowledge in some of the different areas that make up the specific field of psychology. The research experience is carried out under the supervision of a faculty member and second reader who are not the students' dissertation advisor. Students normally register for the second research experience in the fifth term of their PhD program.